NFL Week 3 Predictions & Against the Spread Picks - 2023 Season

Week 2 of the NFL season was good for the team here at the Betfred Insights NFL desk as three of the four of us had at least ten wins against the spread after struggling in Week 1.

It was Jonny who topped the team going 11-5 against the spread with Neil and Adam both at 10-6. Alan took a couple of bad beats to fall to 6-10.

Looking at the straight up picks, both Jonny and Neil went 12-4 with Adam not too far behind at 10-6. Alan went 9-7.

For full year to date numbers, check out the bottom of the article but once more, we’ve picked all the games in Week 3 both straight up and against the spread and you can check out our predictions below…

*All prices and lines accurate as of 9AM, Wednesday 20 September, 2023. Prices subject to change.

Week 3 NFL Predictions:

Friday – 1:20AM:

Giants (+10.5) @ 49ers

Picks ATS:

Adam: 49ers
Alan: Giants
Jonny: 49ers
Neil: 49ers

Money Line: Giants 4/1 & 49ers 2/11

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: 49ers
Alan: 49ers
Jonny: 49ers
Neil: 49ers

Comments: New York lost by 40 in their home opener and promptly followed that up by being 20-0 down at the half in Arizona. A dramatic second-half comeback gave their fans plenty to smile about but a late injury to star running back Saquon Barkley means that this game will be very much down to how well Daniel Jones can throw the ball.

I think San Francisco are the most rounded team in the NFL. I like their QB 9although he struggles with those medium to deep passes) but they have a plethora of complimentary receiving talents plus the outstanding talents of Christian McCaffrey at running back. They have a strong defense and this should be a big home win to get them to 3-0 – NM

Sunday – 18:00:

Colts (+8.5) @ Ravens

Picks ATS:

Adam: Ravens
Alan: Colts
Jonny: Ravens
Neil: Ravens

Money Line: Colts 3/1 & Ravens 1/4

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Ravens
Alan: Ravens
Jonny: Ravens
Neil: Ravens

Comments: The pitch-perfect, 2-0 Ravens entertain the 1-1 Colts at MT&T in a potential cracker. Baltimore are heavy ML favs and so must concede around 8.5 on the spread. My admiration and respect for the line-setters knows no bounds over the years, as they are so often absolutely on the money, as it were.

This 8.5 therefore is a beautifully-judged coin-toss for me – I hope you have a clearer view. The Colts’ new QB Anthony Richardson is proving mobile, brave; and getting smashed by unforgiving LBs in much the same way that Andrew Luck was. That didn’t end well. Richardson is a doubt – let’s hope he makes it.

The steady Gardner Minshew is as a consequence getting some snaps – such to-and-fro can’t help cement the season’s offensive aspirations though, and one hopes Anthony tempers his fearlessness with pragmatism sooner rather than later – AF

Titans (+2.5) @ Browns

Picks ATS:

Adam: Titans
Alan: Titans
Jonny: Browns
Neil: Titans

Money Line: Titans 13/10 & Browns 8/13

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Titans
Alan: Titans
Jonny: Titans
Neil: Titans

Comments: Interesting one here as Cleveland undoubtedly put up one of the most impressive performances in Week 1, when they disposed of the Cincinnati Bengals 24-3 at home.

On Monday night though they went into Pittsburgh, promptly lost Nick Chubb for the year and DeShaun Watson looked like Bambi on ice in the backfield.

Tennessee aren’t all that but they will play plenty of teams close behind the strong running game of Derrick Henry and the solid play of Ryan Tannehill under Center. Give me the Titans to eke out a win on the road in the small upset – NM

Falcons (+3.5) @ Lions

Picks ATS:

Adam: Lions
Alan: Lions
Jonny: Falcons
Neil: Lions

Money Line: Falcons 7/5 & Lions 4/7

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Lions
Alan: Lions
Jonny: Falcons
Neil: Lions

Comments: A dramatic 25-24 win over Green Bay last week ensured that the Falcons got off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2017, and I’ve been particularly impressed with their defense. This will be their toughest test so far when they visit Ford Field but spirits will be high in the Atlanta camp. Bijan Robinson looks to be a star in the making for the Falcons, although it’s a very small sample size to go off so far.

After stunning Kansas City in Week 1, the Lions were brought firmly back down to earth last week in an overtime loss to Seattle. Detroit also have a mounting injury list, so I fancy Atlanta to stun the home favourite here and maintain their unbeaten start to the season. – JW

Saints (+1.5) @ Packers

Picks ATS:

Adam: Packers
Alan: Saints
Jonny: Saints
Neil: Packers

Money Line: Saints 11/10 & Packers 10/13

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Packers
Alan: Saints
Jonny: Saints
Neil: Packers

Comments: The Packers will be kicking themselves that they let a 24-12 lead slip away last week but they have the chance to bounce back at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

However, New Orleans have been impressive to start the season with wins against the Panthers and Titans, but perhaps more importantly, the Saints have shut down the first two quarterbacks they’ve faced this season in Ryan Tannehill and Bryce Young. Does Jordan Love have the quality to evade the sack? I’m not so sure. The Saints’ biggest problem so far on offense has been turning the ball over. If they can figure that out, I think they claim a win at Lambeau here. – JW

Texans (+10.5) @ Jaguars

Picks ATS:

Adam: Texans
Alan: Jaguars
Jonny: Texans
Neil: Texans

Money Line: Texans 17/5 & Jaguars 2/9

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Jaguars
Alan: Jaguars
Jonny: Jaguars
Neil: Jaguars

Comments: This is a line that has moved since opening at 8.5 and that two-point swing has been enough to sway me to take Houston with the points.

The Jacksonville offense looked uninspiring in their 9-17 loss to Kansas City last week but that was very much a game where the two defenses dominated. In Week 1 however they looked more than decent with the re-emergence of Calvin Ridley being one of the big storylines.

It will be a long hard season for Texans’ fans with a young QB who will need time to get up to speed at this level but anytime you are giving me ten points in a divisional game, I’m going to think long and hard about it. I’m just about taking them at this number – NM

Broncos (+6.5) @ Dolphins

Picks ATS:

Adam: Dolphins
Alan: Dolphins
Jonny: Dolphins
Neil: Dolphins

Money Line: Broncos 23/10 & Dolphins 1/3

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Dolphins
Alan: Dolphins
Jonny: Dolphins
Neil: Dolphins

Comments: In the outright Super Bowl betting, 125/1 (Denver) visits 12/1 (Miami). You’d think that would pretty much rule out anything other than a cosy Dolphins success, but this is sport. This is the NFL.

Broncos’ QB Russell Wilson is showing signs of remembering he’s Super Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson, so that will give the 0-2 Mile High faithful some hope. Miami however have two road wins already, and it’s a fairly short money line price about them reaching a morale-boosting 3-0 for the season so far on Sunday.

Miami have Tua and Tyreek. It could be that Denver have a rather hard time at Hard Rock – AF

Chargers (-1.5) @ Vikings

Picks ATS:

Adam: Vikings
Alan: Chargers
Jonny: Vikings
Neil: Vikings

Money Line: Chargers 10/11 & Vikings 10/11

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Vikings
Alan: Chargers
Jonny: Chargers
Neil: Vikings

Comments: By the end of this game (discounting a tie), one of the pre-season fancies for the Super Bowl will be 0 and 3 and staring down another unsuccessful season.

This game should be a pure shootout with both QB’s up near the top of the passing yards leader charts. Both of these sides made the playoffs last season and lost in the Wildcard Round so there is very little to split them and the line has been flip-flopping all week. I’m going to take Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson to pull out one extra little bit of magic, to win on home field. – AR

Patriots (-2.5) @ Jets

Picks ATS:

Adam: Patriots
Alan: Jets
Jonny: Patriots
Neil: Patriots

Money Line: Patriots 4/6 & Jets 5/4

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Patriots
Alan: Jets
Jonny: Patriots
Neil: Patriots

Comments: The winless Patriots have been outscored 19-0 in the first quarter of their first two games, but I think this is the perfect chance for them to bounce back, as another loss here significantly dents their playoff hopes, in my opinion.

I think the wind was knocked out of the Jets’ sails when Aaron Rodgers went down in Week 1, and I think their performance in Week 2 against the Cowboys was an indicator of how much he will be missed. I think the Patriots’ defense will likely try to pressure Zach Wilson in the pocket to force turnovers – he threw three interceptions against Dallas. – JW

Bills (-6.5) @ Commanders

Picks ATS:

Adam: Bills
Alan: Bills
Jonny: Bills
Neil: Bills

Money Line: Bills 1/3 & Commanders 12/5

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Bills
Alan: Bills
Jonny: Bills
Neil: Bills

Comments: The Bills finally got their show on the road after a really disappointing opening day loss to an Aaron Rodgers-less Jets, bouncing back with a comfortable 38-10 win over a lacklustre Raiders.

Next up is a Washington side that are 2-0 after a superb comeback win over the Broncos, after being 21-3 down in the 2nd quarter.

Buffalo looked to be back to something approaching their best against Las Vegas, with Josh Allen 31 for 37, 274 yards and 3 TDS and I expect them to have far too much for the Commanders here. – AR

Sunday 21:05:

Panthers (+5.5) @ Seahawks

Picks ATS:

Adam: Seahawks
Alan: Seahawks
Jonny: Seahawks
Neil: Seahawks

Money Line: Panthers 2/1 & Seahawks 2/5

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Seahawks
Alan: Seahawks
Jonny: Seahawks
Neil: Seahawks

Comments: The Seahawks pulled off one of the biggest shocks of Week 2, beating the Lions in overtime. I think this game should be relatively straightforward for Seattle – the Panthers haven’t really got anything going on offense in their opening two matches, and I think Bryce Young is going through typical rookie growing pains.

Geno Smith and Pete Carroll rediscovered their mojo last week, and I’m expecting them to bring that form into this game. I fancy Seattle to cover the spread. – JW

Sunday – 21:25:

Cowboys (-11.5) @ Cardinals

Picks ATS:

Adam: Cowboys
Alan: Cowboys
Jonny: Cowboys
Neil: Cowboys

Money Line: Cowboys 2/13 & Cardinals 9/2

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Cowboys
Alan: Cowboys
Jonny: Cowboys
Neil: Cowboys

Comments: I see nothing other than a complete blowout here.

The Cowboys have been dominant against both the Giants and the Jets, whereas the Cards are 0-2 after throwing away a 20 point lead against the Giants last weekend.

The Cardinals are 2-0 ATS but I think that run ends at home against a very dangerous looking Dallas side. – AR

Bears (-12.5) @ Chiefs

Picks ATS:

Adam: Bears
Alan: Bears
Jonny: Chiefs
Neil: Chiefs

Money Line: Bears 5/1 & Chiefs 2/15

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Chiefs
Alan: Chiefs
Jonny: Chiefs
Neil: Chiefs

Comments: The winless Bears go to Arrowhead, a daunting task at any time. It’s 1-1 for the reigning Super Bowl champs Kansas City, and it’s fair to say they’re yet to really go through the gears. Having Kelce back last time helped, but these are very early days.

A reminder in Week 2 for me at least of the competitive and thrilling nature of the National Football League, and the amazing way that games can be turned on their head in an instant. Chicago have a massive task on their plate but I’m personally extra-wary of these huge, ‘minus-plenty’ affairs.

It’s very difficult to envisage the Chiefs NOT winning this, but stranger things have happened. As to that cavernous spread, on a KC going day it would be nothing. On a ‘meh, slightly-going-through-the-motions’ kind of evening, it’s enormous.

I’ll be concentrating on the props – AF

Monday 01:20

Steelers (-2.5) @ Raiders

Picks ATS:

Adam: Steelers
Alan: Steelers
Jonny: Steelers
Neil: Raiders

Money Line: Steelers 23/20 & Raiders 8/11

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Steelers
Alan: Steelers
Jonny: Raiders
Neil: Raiders

Comments: Maybe Derek Carr wasn’t the problem after all? Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown as many interceptions as touchdown passes in his time at Las Vegas and isn’t exactly setting the world alight.

A disappointing 38-10 blowout against the Bills last time has left the Raiders 1-1, which is the same record the visiting Steelers possess.

After a tough first week match-up against the 49ers, Kenny Pickett & Co got over the line against the Browns and even though this is a short turn around, I still expect them to beat a really poor Raiders outfit. – AR

Tuesday 00:15:

Eagles (-4.5) @ Buccaneers

Picks ATS:

Adam: Bucs
Alan: Eagles
Jonny: Eagles
Neil: Eagles

Money Line: Eagles 4/9 & Buccaneers 15/8

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Eagles
Alan: Eagles
Jonny: Eagles
Neil: Eagles

Comments: Philadelphia could easily be defending Super Bowl champions – and will be itching for an opportunity to rectify matters on that front this term. Decent start, scoring points, shipping a few.

For the Bucs, QB Baker Mayfield has started ever so well for me; 69% completion, no picks – and he’ll go to Raymond James Stadium full of confidence. His relationship with receiver Mike Evans is looking especially effective.

Bucs’ D has been having itself a time on the sack front, and more of the same against Jalen Hurts would do their prospects the world of good. Two unbeaten sides, Bucs perhaps a little bit further forward in terms of fulfilling their expectations, but the Eagles, like the Chiefs, have gears they’ve yet to engage.

Hurts is a generational talent, but needs a ring. At 25 time is on his side. That last, heart-breaking Super Bowl loss? He threw 304 yards and a touchdown, rushed for 70 yards and scored three rushing TDs himself. And lost.

Cracking match that I’ll be absolutely glued to. Fascinating – AF

Tuesday 01:15:

Rams (+2.5) @ Bengals

Picks ATS:

Adam: Bengals
Alan: Rams
Jonny: Rams
Neil: Rams

Money Line: Rams 11/10 & Bengals 10/13

Picks Straight Up:

Adam: Bengals
Alan: Rams
Jonny: Rams
Neil: Rams

Comments: It isn’t time to push the panic button on the Bengals just yet but boy this isn’t the ideal matchup for them to kick start their season following an 0-2 start.

The Rams are really good. I know they are missing Cooper Kupp, who is one of the best receivers in the NFL but Puka Nacua has come seemingly out of nowhere to put up back-to-back 100+ yard weeks with Tutu Attwell providing a more than solid number two option for Matt Stafford.

Losing at the Browns in a deluge is one thing but following up with a loss to the Ravens at home, that wasn’t as close as the 24-27 scoreline indicates is a real concern. This team as Super Bowl aspirations and this is a must-win game for Joe Burrow and co. I think the pressure gets to them and they lose straight up to really ramp the pressure up – NM

Season Records:

Against the Spread: